How to Choose
How to select the right Austin Healthmate for you
All of the Austin Healthmate air purifiers contain medical grade True HEPA filters and are excellent choices for people suffering from allergies caused by dog and cat dander, bird powder, mold, dust and dust mites, pollens, and similar irritants. The HealthMates’ true HEPA filter removes 99.97% of all particles greater than .3 microns from the air, so you will experience relief from coughing and stuffed up noses due to allergies.
The standard size units (the Healthmate, the Healthmate Plus, and the Bedroom Machine) will clean an area up to 1,500 square feet. The smaller Junior units are not currently being offered by Austin Air, however, we can recommend and excellent alternative. Please call (888)246-8776 for more informaiton.
Since all of the Austin Air units contain true medical grade HEPA filters for the capture of particles, the determining factors in choosing between the models are the type of carbon.
Below is a guide to help you choose:
The Austin Healthmate (HM400)
The Austin HealthMate uses a combination of carbon and zeolite to absorb chemicals from the air. While this model is also excellent at controlling odors, the carbon and zeolite blend enables the unit to collect a wider variety of chemicals than the new Allergy Machine can. This is a great all-purpose air purifier, particularly if VOCs are not your main concern.
The Austin Healthmate Plus
We recommend the Austin Healthmate Plus for enhanced adsorption of chemicals from the air.
Like the other versions of the carbon, the Pluses handle odors very well. However, if you are sensitive to chemicals, or are in an environment where vapors from chemicals are your concern, then the Austin HealthMate Plus is the perfect choice. 
Note: All of the models of the Austin air cleaners will remove odors, fumes and gases from the air, but the Plus has a greater capacity for absorption of chemical vapors such as formaldehyde which is found in rugs and pressed wood. This is also the best choice for those with asthma, COPD, or other inflammatory lung disease. This is also the model we recommend for people exposed to smoke from wildfires.
- Example 1: If you have installed new carpets, then you will experience off-gassing of formaldehyde for months. The Healthmate Plus can remove this toxin from the air better than the other models can.
- Example 2: If you work with paints, solvents and thinners, you are breathing volatile fumes on a regular basis. The Healthmate Plus can absorb more of these fumes than the other models can.
- Example 3: If you are sensitive to chemicals in the air, you may feel the effects of fumes sooner than other people do. The Healthmate Plus takes more chemical substances out of the air than the other models do, thus providing additional relief.
- Example 4: You may be able to better control asthma attacks by reducing the amount of chemical vapors in the air.
- Example 5: If you need to reduce the particulates and vapors from wildfires or wood-burning stoves, the Plus is an excellent choice.
The National Sleep Foundation Bedroom Machine
The newest model offered by Austin Air has been designed to help people whose sleep is compromised by odors or chemicals in the air. This machine has the same HEPA filter as the other models, but contains the kind of carbon found in the Healthmate units as well as a military carbon cloth to provide enhanced removal of odors and vapors.
Summary of Differences in Carbon
All Austin air purifiers have true medical grade HEPA filters to capture particulates. Standard size models have 60 sq ft of HEPA material. The difference between the various Austin HealthMate models is in the formulation of the material that adsorbs gases and odors.
Below is a breakdown of the carbon filter configurations. Click on model name for more information.
Original Carbon Blend
Granular carbon and zeolite mix. Blend is effective for household odors and some chemicals. Excellent for all-purpose use.
VOC Superblend
Granular carbon, zeolite, and potassium iodine blend. Removes odors and is most effective in removing chemicals including VOCs like formaldehyde and adhesives. Also recommended for areas impacted by wildfires.
Bedroom Machine Carbon Blend
Combines proprietary granular carbon blend with military carbon cloth to provide a safe and effective solution to enhanced sleep.
Have Questions or Need Advice?
Please call our toll-free number (888)246-8776 to talk to a friendly and knowledgeable customer service representative. Our hours are 8:00 p.m. Pacific time (that’s 11:00 p.m. on the East Coast) and are open on weekends.